"One of the first things people said to me was, 'Mayor, you have to go after an IKEA.' So that's a name and a brand that's been coming up repeatedly," said Holly Brinda, mayor of Elyria.

Mayor Brinda says Lorain County put in a proposal three to four months ago, hoping to land the superstore right in Midway Mall. The city is completing a $22 million renovation and hopes to attract businesses and shoppers. IKEA would be a big boost to the economy.

"There's no doubt in my mind that not only would they patronize it, but it could be a huge uplifting move for that whole Midway area," Brinda explained.

"This mall definitely needs a lot. Ever since Dillard's and all these stores closed, they're taking things out. It's not like what it used to be when we were kids," said one resident.

"It would be a boost. We need to draw more things in this area," said one woman.

"They're an anchor store, so they bring small business with them," said one man.

Brinda says she won't celebrate Brooklyn's loss, but this could be a big opportunity for the region.

"Nobody can meet expectations that Elyria can meet. So we're excited about that," Brinda said.